Father of boy killed in blast ‘like walking dead’

The father of an eight-year-old killed at the Boston Marathon was described by neighbours as looking like the “walking dead” after learning his son was killed, his wife had suffered horrific brain injuries, and his daughter had lost a leg in the blast.

Martin Richard was one of the three people killed in Monday’s explosions, according to Stephen Lynch, a friend of the family for 25 years. Neighbours recalled Martin as a vivacious boy who loved to run and climb.

Martin’s mother Denise is on the critical list and is awaiting surgery. His 7-year-old sister, Jane, who was an Irish dancer with the Clifden Irish Dance Academy, will now have to use a prosthesis.